What is osteopathy?

In May 2000, osteopaths became the first complementary practitioners to become regulated by Government statute in the same way as orthodox medical practitioners. This means that they must be registered with the General Osteopathic Council, have completed a recognised training and have indemnity insurance.

With 5 million patients a year, osteopathy is the most popular form of complementary medicine and is growing in prestige. Since the passing of the Osteopathy Act in 1993, the profession has elevated considerably in status and is now recognised to be part of mainstream healthcare, enjoying a closer working relationship with the medical profession.

Registered Osteopaths have an extensive four year training, including Anatomy Physiology Medicine and Pathology of the human body. They also have 2,000 hours of clinical training in diagnosis and the treatment of patients.

Osteopathy is an established, recognised system of diagnosis and treatment that lays its main emphasis on the structural integrity of the body.  It is distinctive in the fact that it recognises much of the pain and disability we suffer stems from abnormalities in the function of the body structure as well as damage caused by disease.

Osteopathy uses many of the diagnostic procedures involved in conventional medical assessment and diagnosis.  Its main strength, however, lies in the unique way the patient is assessed from a mechanical, functional and postural standpoint taking into account all aspects of the individuals life.

Osteopathy is a natural form of treatment using only the hands to alleviate the body of mainly musculo-skeletal aches and pains. The use of soft tissue and manipulation techniques administered to the muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints of the body aim to achieve a balance of tension, mobility and symmetry in the body, even aiding improved blood flow and lymphatic
drainage, promoting natural healing without the use of drugs.

Cranial Osteopathy is a very popular gentle form of osteopathy that concentrates on the head to help treat colic and glue ear in infants and babies, it can also be used in adults to treat headaches, migraines, sinus and other problems.

Osteopathy can treat...

....... a surprising range of problems and can be useful for all ages from babies to the elderly,and even during pregnancy.

headaches, sinusitis, neck ache, 'frozen' or stiff shoulders, 'tennis elbow' and arm pain, back pain, disc problems, aches and pains in pregnancy, hip, thigh and knee problems, calf and shin problems, tinitus, jaw problems, whiplash injuries, asthma, breathing problems, digestive problems, wrist pain, pelvic pain, arthritic pain and stiffness, foot problems. glue ear, colic and behavioural problems in children and babies.

What to wear

Due to the physical nature of the treatment it would be useful to wear something loose fitting, such as a track suit or t-shirt and shorts.  Some osteopaths prefer the patient to wear modest underwear to help observe the spine.

Osteopathic registration

'Promoting Excellence in Osteopathic Care'

At all times,  Osteopaths registered with the General Osteopathic Council must follow high standards of professional conduct and behaviour and will commit to a programme of continuing professional development.

For the last sixty years, osteopaths have worked within a system of voluntary regulation that set standards of training and practice. In 1993, under the Osteopaths Act, osteopathy became the first complementary health care profession to be accorded statutory recognition.  The Osteopathic Council (GOsC) has been set up, which opened its statutory register of osteopaths in May 1998.

The GOsC is now responsible for regulating the osteopathic profession in the UK and also for promoting and developing osteopathy.  It has been given powers by parliament to set standards of education and conduct and to maintain a register of those entitled to practice osteopathy.

Treatment

On arrival at the West Malling / Kings hill practice you will be greeted by the friendly receptionists and asked to be seated or promptly received by me and shown into the treatment room, you will not be left waiting for long.

A case history will be taken to glean as much information as possible regarding your problem and previous relevant history. It may also be necessary to liaise with your gp, specialist or complimentary health practitioner. Xrays, scans and other information you have may be of
use at this stage.

It may be necessary to remove some items of clothing in order to perform a non-invasive examination to identify the cause of your symptoms and formulate a treatment plan, or even suggest referral for further tests or specialist examination /opinion.

All details of your case, examination and treatment will be explained fully and clearly to you, as well as giving advice on exercises, rest, hot & cold packing and other beneficial information which will help assist your recovery.

Treatment will usually last around thirty minutes, sometimes more, or less, depending on the nature of the problem. Osteopathic treatment itself involves a series of movements to correct structural abnormalities, this includes massage to relax stiff muscles, stretching to help joint mobility, and manipulation and high-velocity thrust techniques which can restore easy movement to the body. Using these techniques, I will endeavour to remove the abnormalities and thus re-establish the normal functioning of the body's activities.  You may well feel or hear a click with some of the techniques, this will not hurt, in fact this is a good sign.

Following treatment it is usual to feel a degree of soreness, this is normal and signifies the bodies natural reaction to the treatment, this should only last for a short time.  If concerned then please ring for further advice.

Depending on the nature and duration of your problem, you may need several sessions of therapy.  Some conditions can be dealt with in just a few sessions, other more complex cases will take longer, each case is unique and will be addressed on its individual merit.